Hello Autocar Team, we are planning to buy our first car with a budget of ₹7-10 lakh. We have shortlisted the Honda Amaze and the Kia Sonet, although we understand they belong to different segments. Could you please suggest which one would be the better choice for us? Additionally, we would appreciate any other recommendations within this budget. Personally, I am inclined towards Honda as a brand.

Autocar India

•13m

Go for the Honda Amaze V MT; within your ₹7-10 lakh, it fits a first-time buyer best with easy driving, proven reliability, a 420‑litre boot, and your Honda preference.

Because you’re new to car ownership, the Amaze’s light controls and calm ride make daily driving simpler; its length under 4,000 mm keeps parking stress low.

Within ₹7-10 lakh, the S MT sits mid-variant, so you don’t compromise as much on basics, whereas a Kia Sonet at this price is closer to entry-level. The 420‑litre boot is handy for luggage on trips. Honda’s typical 10,000 km/1‑year service rhythm keeps maintenance planning straightforward.

The one thing you give up is the Sonet’s taller driving position and extra ground clearance, which some prefer for rough roads and speed breakers in smaller towns.

If you prioritise a high seat and rough‑road ability over boot space and sedan comfort, consider the Kia Sonet HTK 1.2 petrol instead, within the same ₹7-10 lakh band.

On the test drive, check low‑speed clutch feel in stop‑go traffic and cabin noise at 80 km/h. Also, sit four adults and verify the 420‑litre boot swallows two 25‑inch suitcases.

Explore cars mentioned

Honda

Amaze

from ₹8.79 Lakh

Kia

Sonet

from ₹8.59 Lakh

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Pradeep kukreja

•1w

Hello Autocar Team, I am planning to buy a new car with a budget of around ₹12-14 lakh. I am considering the Hyundai Venue HX5 DCT, Kia Sonet HTX 1.0 DCT, Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXI AT, and Tata Nexon EV 45 Creative. My primary car is an EV (MG Windsor), which I use daily for around 60-65 km. This new car will be my second vehicle, with a daily running of around 20-25 km. I did not like the road presence of the Venue much, although I liked its cabin. The Sonet has a strong road presence but feels a bit dated inside. The Brezza feels outdated both inside and outside, although it offers Maruti’s reliability. I also liked the Nexon EV, but the variant within my budget misses some features like rear AC vents. I am quite confused between these options and am specifically looking for an automatic variant. Could you please guide me on the best choice?

Autocar India

•1d

Since you already have an electric MG Windsor, it would be advisable to get a petrol vehicle that can be used for longer journeys as well as the short commutes you mentioned. Among your choices, the Hyundai Venue is a very good pick. Although it shares its powertrain with the Kia Sonet, the Venue is based on a more modern platform. In the HX5 trim you’ve chosen, it comes equipped with most of the essential features, including a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and even a sunroof.A facelift for the Maruti Suzuki Brezza is expected, but the timeline is not yet confirmed. Sources suggest it could arrive around the festive season this year or even early next year. The exterior is not expected to get a radical makeover, but we do expect it to receive the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and 6-speed torque-converter automatic that does duty in the Fronx. If you are willing to wait, it could be a good option.

Shruthip

Hi Team, I am currently owning an XL6. I would like to upgrade to either the Tata Safari or Kia Carens Clavis. My 7-seater usage is once a quarter, and mostly I drive on highways rather than in the city. I do understand that the Clavis is a better deal in terms of comfort, but what is it that I will lose by choosing the Safari? Is it very tough to go on a 1,000km trip with 6 members in the Safari compared to the Clavis?

Autocar India

•1h

Pick the Tata Safari Adventure+ 6‑seat (captain seats). For your highway‑biased driving and occasional 7‑seater use, it offers superior high‑speed stability, a wider cabin, and 5‑star Global NCAP (2023) safety.Since you’re on highways more than in the city, the Safari feels secure at 90-120kph. Cabin width is 1,894 mm versus your XL6’s 1,735 mm, so two adults in the second row stay relaxed on 1,000 km days. So, 1,000 km with six isn’t tough in the Safari. The 6‑seat layout keeps everyone comfortable for 6-8 hour stints, and the 5‑star Global NCAP rating adds real peace of mind over the Carens’ 3‑star adult score (2022).The one thing you give up is third‑row adult comfort and easy access; the Carens’ 2,780 mm wheelbase and lower floor make row three roomier than the Safari’s 2,741 mm. If most trips involve two adults in row three for 2+ hours, consider the Kia Carens HTX(O) A 6‑seat instead. It prioritises third‑row space and convenience at this size.On back‑to‑back test drives, seat six adults for 20 minutes each: assess row‑three knee room and head support, then cruise at 100 kph to check straight‑line stability and cabin noise.

Tata Safari

Dimpy Bhardwaj

•1d

I just sold my Ford Aspire diesel. I am looking to choose between Fronx CNG and Brezza CNG. We are a couple with 2 kids. My run will be 40% city and 60% highway. My preference is a comfortable ride for the family and an easy-to-manoeuvre car between these two. I will wait for the underbody CNG updates in both cars. Which car should we buy? Please assist. Monthly running is 1,200-1,500km.

Autocar India

•2h

You can't go wrong with either of the two cars. However, since you are looking at ride quality and drive more on highways, we'd recommend you lean towards the Maruti Suzuki Fronx. The ride and handling set-up of the Brezza has an emphasis on a cushioned low-speed ride, and thus, potholes in the city are well absorbed with hardly any harshness. The softer spring, though, means there is some pitch and squat on undulating highways, and since you drive more on the highways, the Fronx would thus be better.It offers a more stable high-speed ride, and while the ride quality is definitely stiffer than the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, it’s not uncomfortable or jarring. The rear room is also lower than the Brezza, but given that it's your two kids who would sit at the back, the Fronx should not be a problem here, too.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

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